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Reports

Native trout in the United States are in trouble. As this report describes, of the nation’s 28 native trout species, three are already extinct. Thirteen of the remaining 25 occupy less than 25 percent of their historic habitat. All native trout face threats from water diversion, water quality degradation, non-native species, energy development, and climate change.

Summertime is when many of us look forward to leaving the office and chasing fish on rivers and streams near our homes. If you are one of us, ask yourself what makes a healthy stream with lots of catchable fish? The first ingredient is cold, clean water. The second is habitat for juvenile fish to hide, and for big fish to grow and spawn. Third, we need sensible rules that protect streams from development.

We can thank the Clean Water Act for all three key ingredients that contribute to quality trout and salmon fishing in America. If you fish, there is no law more important than the Clean Water Act.

This report details how five examples of Tennessee wetlands and streams have been left vulnerable due to the Rapanos decision. In Tennessee, we are very fortunate to have a strong state water quality act, which provides an additional level of protection to these waters. However, as is the case in every state in the Union, Tennessee’s ability and willingness to adequately protect its streams and wetlands can and are often influenced by local and state politics.